10 Movies & Shows Like Wicked (1998)

Description: A beloved family musical combining heartwarming songs with a story about resilience, love, and standing up against oppression in a picturesque European setting.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Salzburg, Austria, with many scenes filmed at the actual places where the real von Trapp family lived. It was the highest-grossing film of all time for several years.

Description: A vibrant musical reimagining of a classic story, blending fantasy elements with urban settings and a strong emphasis on self-discovery and empowerment.

Fact: The film was a commercial failure upon release but later gained a cult following, especially among African-American audiences. It features an all-black cast, a rarity for major studio productions at the time.

Description: A gothic romantic musical filled with lush orchestrations, exploring themes of obsession, unrequited love, and the transformative power of music.

Fact: The film adaptation took nearly 15 years to make it to the screen. The chandelier used in the famous crash sequence weighed over 2,000 pounds and was built specifically for the movie.

Description: A rock musical capturing the struggles of artists and outcasts in New York City, dealing with themes of love, loss, and living with HIV/AIDS during the bohemian 1990s.

Fact: Most of the original Broadway cast reprised their roles for the film adaptation. The stage musical was itself based on Puccini's opera La Bohème, transposed to modern times.

Description: A jazzy, cynical musical that satirizes the corruption of the justice system and the cult of celebrity, featuring stylized musical numbers that blend reality with fantasy.

Fact: The film's success revived interest in movie musicals after decades of decline. It was the first musical to win Best Picture at the Oscars since Oliver! in

Description: A macabre musical thriller that blends dark humor with horror elements, featuring a tragic antihero driven by revenge in a grim Victorian setting.

Fact: All the blood in the film was colored chocolate syrup because it showed up better on camera. Johnny Depp learned to sing for his role as Sweeney Todd, having no prior musical experience.

Description: A colorful, energetic musical tackling social issues like racial integration and body positivity with humor and catchy songs, set against the backdrop of 1960s America.

Fact: John Travolta's performance in drag as Edna Turnblad marked his first musical role since Grease. The film's success led to a Broadway adaptation of the movie, which was itself based on a film.

Description: A dazzling musical drama about the rise of a girl group, exploring themes of fame, betrayal, and the price of success in the music industry.

Fact: Jennifer Hudson's performance as Effie White won her an Oscar, despite it being her first major acting role. The film was shot in just 42 days, an unusually short schedule for a musical.

Description: A sweeping, emotional musical epic about redemption, revolution, and the human spirit, featuring characters who struggle against societal injustice.

Fact: The film was notable for having the actors sing live on set rather than lip-sync to pre-recorded tracks. Hugh Jackman lost 15 pounds and grew a beard for his role as Jean Valjean.

Description: A darkly whimsical musical that intertwines multiple fairy tales, exploring complex themes of morality, consequences, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Fact: The film adaptation retains much of the original Broadway musical's cast, including Meryl Streep in her first musical role. It was shot almost entirely on soundstages to maintain a theatrical feel.